[Patents] EUROPEAN BOARD VOTES TO ALLOW SOFTWARE PATENTS

[PILCH Hartmut phm@a2e.de]

>       Can somebody tell us the list of countries for and against
> software patents in thar vote? (I'm specifically interested in Spain,
> where we are doing some lobbying, and Portugal, where perhaps we can
> start soon).

I think they ALL voted to allow software patents.

There was only a pseudo-debate between those who wanted to completely
remove all exceptions to patentability from the law and those who wanted
to keep some insignificant exceptions for cosmetic purposes.  The former
prevailed.
 
>       Can somebody outline the process from now on? How will the final
> decission be taken in November? (I mean, who will vote). Is there any
> way of blocking that decission, or of forcing its delay, before the
> mentioned conference?

Before the decision, there will be a governmental conference in London
where EU governments can decide to pass a resolution that calls for a
moratorium on Art 52.  Major forces within governments of DE FR UK want
this moratorium.

Moreover, the EPC must be ratified by parliaments.  If leading parties in
national parliaments declare that they will not ratify it with Art 52
blurred, then the patent lobby diplomats who decide in November might get
cold feet and keep the promise of a moratorium that they gave to their
government colleagues.  Otherwise they will find excuses for breaking any
promise.

-phm